Rules for Discernment
Ignatius's Map for Understanding Inner Movements
The Rules for Discernment of Spirits are a set of guidelines developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola to help Christians recognize and interpret their inner movements—thoughts, feelings, desires, and spiritual impulses. These rules distinguish between consolation (movements toward God) and desolation (movements away from God), enabling wise response to interior experience rather than naive acceptance or fearful suppression.
Why Discernment Matters
Ignatius learned discernment the hard way. As a young soldier recovering from a leg wound, he noticed that different reading material produced different inner effects. Romantic tales of chivalry left him feeling empty afterward, while reading the lives of saints left him with lasting peace and energy. This observation became the foundation of his spiritual wisdom.
The rules exist because:
- Inner experience is complex. Not every good feeling is from God; not every difficulty is from the enemy.
- We can deceive ourselves. Our desires, fears, and wounds can masquerade as spiritual guidance.
- The enemy is subtle. Evil rarely presents itself openly—it disguises itself as good.
- God's guidance is discernible. With trained attention, we can learn to recognize authentic movements of grace.
"I call it consolation when some interior movement is produced in the soul which causes it to be inflamed with love of its Creator and Lord... I call desolation everything contrary to the third rule, such as darkness of soul, turmoil of mind, inclination to low and earthly things, restlessness from various agitations and temptations."— St. Ignatius, Spiritual Exercises §316-317
Consolation and Desolation Explained
These are Ignatius's core categories for understanding interior movements:
Consolation
Definition: Interior movements that increase faith, hope, and love; draw the soul toward God; produce peace, energy for good, and spiritual freedom.
Signs include:
- Deep peace (even amid difficulty)
- Energy for prayer and service
- Increased faith, hope, love
- Tears of gratitude or compunction
- Freedom from disordered attachments
- Clarity about God's will
Desolation
Definition: Interior movements that decrease faith, hope, and love; draw the soul away from God; produce darkness, agitation, and spiritual paralysis.
Signs include:
- Spiritual darkness or emptiness
- Restlessness, anxiety, agitation
- Temptation to abandon prayer
- Attraction to "low things"
- Loss of hope or trust
- Confusion about direction
Critical distinction: Consolation is not merely "feeling good," and desolation is not merely "feeling bad." A person can experience genuine consolation while suffering physically or emotionally—the key is whether the movement draws them toward or away from God.
The Key Rules (Simplified)
Ignatius provides 14 rules for the First Week and 8 additional rules for the Second Week of the Exercises. Here are the most essential principles:
Rule 1: The Typical Patterns
For those moving toward God, the enemy typically causes anxiety, sadness, and obstacles—while the good spirit gives courage, strength, and peace. For those moving away from God, the pattern reverses: the enemy offers false comfort while the good spirit produces healthy guilt and disquiet.
Rule 2: Only God Can Give Consolation Without Cause
Sometimes consolation arises with a clear cause (good news, beautiful liturgy, meaningful conversation). But consolation "without preceding cause"—arising suddenly for no apparent reason—can only come from God. This is a particularly trustworthy sign.
Rule 3: Never Make Changes in Desolation
During desolation, resist the temptation to change course. The enemy uses darkness to provoke hasty decisions. Instead, hold firm to the resolutions made during consolation. Wait for clarity to return.
Rule 4: In Desolation, Do the Opposite
When desolation tempts you to shorten prayer, pray longer. When it tempts you to isolate, reach out. When it whispers that God has abandoned you, affirm His presence. Act against the desolation's suggestions.
Rule 5: Desolation Has Limited Duration
God permits desolation for our growth, but it will not last forever. Remember this during darkness. The sun will rise again.
Rule 6: The Enemy Attacks Our Weakest Point
Like a military commander, the enemy probes for vulnerability. Where are you weakest? Pride? Lust? Despair? That's where attacks will come. Know your weak points and guard them.
Rule 7: The Enemy Hates Exposure
Temptations and desolations lose power when brought into the light—shared with a confessor, director, or trusted friend. Secrecy is the enemy's ally. Transparency breaks his hold.
Rule 8: Beware "Angel of Light" Deceptions
The enemy can disguise himself as good, beginning with something holy and gradually leading toward something harmful. Always trace a thought or desire to its end: where does this path lead?
How to Apply the Rules Practically
- Pay attention to your interior life. Notice movements of thought, feeling, desire, and energy throughout the day—especially during and after prayer.
- Name what you notice. Ask: "Is this consolation or desolation? What is the trajectory of this movement?"
- Look for patterns. Over time, you'll recognize recurring movements. What triggers desolation for you? What consistently produces authentic consolation?
- Trace thoughts to their origin and destination. Where did this thought come from? Where does it lead? The full trajectory reveals much.
- Review daily. The Ignatian Examen is the classic tool: a brief evening review of where you experienced consolation and desolation during the day.
- Bring movements into the light. Share significant interior experiences with a director or confessor. Secrecy empowers the enemy.
- Act on consolation, resist desolation. Make decisions during times of spiritual clarity. During darkness, hold firm and wait.
What Ignatian Discernment Is NOT
- A formula for guaranteed certainty. Discernment involves probability and wisdom, not mathematical certainty. We walk by faith.
- A way to hear God's voice directly. Discernment reads movements, not messages. It does not promise divine dictation.
- A replacement for obedience. Personal discernment always operates within the bounds of Scripture, Church teaching, and legitimate authority.
- A solo activity. Authentic discernment usually requires community—a director, confessor, or wise friend who can see what we cannot.
- A guarantee against mistakes. Even careful discernment can err. Humility and ongoing correction are essential.
Discernment in Contemplative Prayer
These rules are especially important for those practicing imaginative prayer. During sensory prayer or composition of place, ask:
- Does this prayer leave me in consolation or desolation?
- Am I being drawn toward Christ or away from Him?
- Does what arises in prayer align with Scripture and tradition?
- Am I becoming more humble, loving, and free—or more proud, anxious, and attached?
- Would I be willing to share this experience with a director?
The rules protect us from taking imaginative content too seriously while allowing us to receive genuine fruit from contemplation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a feeling is from God?
Check the fruit. Does it increase faith, hope, and love? Does it produce lasting peace (even amid difficulty)? Does it lead toward God and neighbor? Does it align with Scripture? These are signs of authentic consolation. Feelings alone are not proof—the trajectory and fruit reveal the source.
Can I discern on my own, or do I need a director?
Basic discernment can be practiced individually using the rules. However, for significant decisions, ongoing spiritual growth, or when experiencing confusion, a trained spiritual director is invaluable. We cannot always see our own blind spots.
What if I'm always in desolation?
Prolonged desolation may indicate spiritual, psychological, or physical factors that need attention. It could signal the need for more rest, professional help, or medical evaluation—not just more prayer. Speak with a director or counselor if desolation persists.
How long does it take to learn discernment?
Discernment is a lifelong skill that deepens with practice. Basic familiarity with the rules takes weeks; genuine facility takes years. The key is consistent attention to interior movements and regular review.
Do these rules apply outside of prayer?
Absolutely. Ignatius intended the rules for daily life—decisions about work, relationships, vocation, and everyday choices. Interior movements happen throughout the day, not just during formal prayer.
Related Articles
- Discernment in Contemplative Practice — The broader framework for testing inner experiences.
- Ignatian Spirituality — Overview of the Ignatian tradition.
- Composition of Place — Where discernment meets imaginative prayer.
- Colloquy Explained — Bringing discerned movements into conversation with Christ.